Jimma University recently held its inaugural PhD Research Conference, organized by the School of Graduate Studies in partnership with the Vice President for Research and Community Service, from March 20-21, 2025.
The event provided a dynamic platform for PhD students to showcase their research, exchange ideas, and receive valuable feedback, fostering a culture of academic excellence and innovation.
In his welcome address, Dr. Bekalu Ferede, Director of the School of Graduate Studies, emphasized that a PhD transcends academic credentials—it symbolizes a dedication to advancing knowledge through original research, resilience, and the courage to explore uncharted territories.
He urged students to actively engage, seek feedback, and innovate, while calling on faculty to mentor and inspire. The director highlighted the university’s commitment to enhancing PhD programs and supporting student development.
Dr. Tadesse Habtamu, Vice President for Academic Affairs, highlighted the university’s ambition to become a research-intensive institution. He noted that the conference not only showcased innovative research but also encouraged collaboration. He also outlined ongoing reforms to strengthen PhD programs, aligning them with global standards.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Jemal Abafita, the university’s president, stressed the importance of robust PhD programs in achieving the institution’s vision of becoming a world-class research university. He emphasized the need to align student research with the university’s research thematic areas and improve research infrastructure.
The conference featured over 127 oral and poster presentations across seven parallel sessions, reflecting the diversity and depth of research undertaken by the university’s PhD students. Currently, the university has enrolled 425 PhD students across 113 programs. Notably, more than 100 students are engaged in joint PhD programs with international institutions, underscoring the university’s commitment to global collaboration and research excellence.
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